Turning Or Steering Patents (Class 340/465)
  • Patent number: 12130006
    Abstract: A decorative automotive component includes a structure having a textured surface with a plurality of light-reflecting facets. The textured surface is selectively metallized, such as via electroplating, such that a plurality of openings are defined through the metal material and which expose the underlying substrate. A first light source, hidden from view, is disposed above the textured surface and directs light onto the reflective textured surface, such that light is reflected outwardly therefrom. A second light source is disposed within the structure and below the substrate, and directs light through substrate and directly into and through openings, such that the openings are illuminated and visible. The light sources can be activated individually or at the same time to combine the lighting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11651684
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system provided in a vehicle includes: a lighting unit configured to emit light toward outside of a vehicle; and a lighting control unit configured to control the lighting unit such that the lighting unit visually presents, to an oncoming vehicle present ahead of the vehicle, predetermined information on traveling support of the oncoming vehicle, based on a vehicle width of the oncoming vehicle and a road width in a lateral region of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shibata, Naoki Takii, Misako Kamiya, Norihisa Sutou, Masao Okawa
  • Patent number: 11483424
    Abstract: A hands-free device includes a memory, and a hardware processor coupled to the memory. The hardware processor being configured to: connect to a mobile phone to enable a hands-free call; receive at least one of outgoing call history data, incoming call history data, missed call history data, and phonebook data stored in the mobile phone; and delete data transferred from the mobile phone in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kisei Takada, Hiroki Oobayashi, Akihiro Murano
  • Patent number: 11407360
    Abstract: A blind spot warning and turn signal indication light-emitting device for a vehicle side view mirror includes a mirror seat, a blind spot warning unit and a turn signal indication unit both mounted on the mirror seat. The blind spot warning unit includes a light guiding member having a light incident face aligned with a light emitting diode lamp and provided with a plurality of grooves to diffuse light emitted by the light emitting diode lamp. The turn signal indication unit includes a turn signal light guide having a light incident surface aligned with light emitting elements and provided with a plurality of troughs to diffuse light emitted by the light emitting elements. The turn signal light guide further includes an operating surface having reflective surfaces to reflect the diffused light to uniformly pass outwardly through a mirror of the vehicle side view mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Mei-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 11407356
    Abstract: A U-turn signal indicator is provided having an array of light-emitting diodes arranged in a daisy chain configuration to form a ring or loop of lights. The LED ring can be provided as a separate one-piece construction that can be attached to the vehicle at any desired location, such as a side view mirror assembly, headlight, or taillight. Alternately, the LED ring can be integrally manufactured into the target vehicle location. Activation of each LED in sequence generates a pattern of illumination that signifies a U-turn. The existing turn signal switch assembly can be modified to add a functionality that controls the LED activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Juan Cabada
  • Patent number: 11267509
    Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle includes a steering rod and at least one drive unit, wherein the steering rod can be displaced along its longitudinal extent by the drive unit. The steering device also includes at least one first sensor device for determining a displacement position of the steering rod. The steering rod, as seen along its longitudinal extent, exhibits at least one change in its cross section, in particular diameter, wherein the first sensor device is designed to sense the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Buering, Wolfgang Abele, Andreas Kruttschnitt, Arnulf Heilig, Ralf Redemann, Vitali Haag, Ossmane Krini, Stefan Scherb, Arthur Rupp
  • Patent number: 11241996
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing one or more headlights by two or more vehicles. Various aspects may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, in which the first collaborative lighting message may request the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle, in collaboration with the second vehicle directing one or more headlights of the second vehicle according to a collaborative lighting plan, and directing, by the first vehicle processor, one or more of the headlights of the first vehicle in accordance with the collaborative lighting plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Daniel Martin, Aleksandr Kushleyev, Jonathan Paul Davis, Moussa Ben Coulibaly, Kristen Wagner Cerase
  • Patent number: 11173976
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: VisionWorks IP Corporation
    Inventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
  • Patent number: 11138883
    Abstract: A communication system for vehicles includes a first communication device disposed at a first vehicle and a second communication device disposed at a second vehicle. The first communication device wirelessly transmits data indicative of a predicted path of travel of the first vehicle, and the second communication device receives the transmitted data from the first communication device. An ECU of the second vehicle processes data received from the first communication device and data indicative of a predicted path of travel of the second vehicle to determine a potential collision between the first vehicle and the second vehicle during a turning maneuver of the first vehicle toward the second vehicle. Responsive to determination of potential collision between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the ECU controls braking and/or steering of the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Krishna Koravadi
  • Patent number: 11077801
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror reflector, a mirror back plate, a heater pad and a blind spot indicator module. The heater pad is disposed between the mirror reflective element and the mirror back plate and has a light transmitting portion that is aligned with an aperture of the mirror back plate. The blind spot indicator module includes a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion. Light emitted by at least one light emitting diode of the blind spot indicator module passes through the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and through a light-transmitting portion of the mirror reflector and exits the mirror reflective element to provide a visual icon visible to a driver of the vehicle who is driving the vehicle and who is viewing said mirror reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11016503
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Beard, Jukka Steenari, John Adams
  • Patent number: 11014572
    Abstract: An autonomous driving system mounted on a vehicle includes: a vehicle behavior control device configured to perform vehicle behavior control that controls behavior of the vehicle; and an awareness level calculation device configured to calculate an awareness level of a driver of the vehicle. A low awareness state is a state where the awareness level is lower than a normal state. The vehicle behavior control device performs the vehicle behavior control such that another vehicle around the vehicle predicts or recognizes the behavior of the vehicle more easily in a case of the low awareness state than in a case of the normal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryuta Hashimoto, Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10919442
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and kits useful for signaling the intention and execution of a U-turn maneuver by a motor vehicle. A combination of existing headlights, reverse lights, turn-signal lights and side light modules are used in concert to generate a universally applicable signal that communicates to other travelers that a U-turn maneuver is intended and under execution. The signaling can be mediated via use of a U-turn signal switch that activates the light modules of a vehicle that correspond to the direction of the U-turn maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: José C. Arteiro, Waleska Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10857936
    Abstract: A U-turn signal system; the U-turn signal system includes an exterior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly, an interior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly, and an activation device having a radio frequency transmitter in wireless communication with the exterior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly and the interior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly each having radio frequency receivers. The U-turn signal system may be installed on a host-vehicle and provides means for indicating an intent to make a U-turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Katherine James
  • Patent number: 10843630
    Abstract: A backing plate unit for a rear view device for a motor vehicle includes at least one opening passing from a rear side of a backing plate to a front side thereof to form a logo pattern by itself, first attachment means on the rear side of the backing plate for a light source, and light filter means and/or at least one extension which is extending from the front side of the backing plate in the region of the logo pattern. A method for producing such a backing plate unit and a rear view device with such a backing plate unit are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Brien Little, Stephen Edney, Harry Welfare, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10803739
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Arnold Anschutz, Mounire El Houmaidi
  • Patent number: 10773635
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for automatically controlling various lights of a vehicle. The systems and methods are configured to determine whether a vehicle is being driven off-road or on a public road, determine a first light activation condition that is based on whether the vehicle is being driven off-road or on the public road, and execute a vehicle lights control procedure to grant to a driver of the vehicle on-off control of a first light in the vehicle based on the first light activation condition and to withdraw grant of the on-off control of the first light based on a second light activation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mario Alejandro Adams-Campos, Elias Ruiz, Gregory S. Hawkins, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos, Alejandro Becerra
  • Patent number: 10676147
    Abstract: A safety warning method includes the following steps. Step 1 is to generate a plurality of distance sensing signals by an optical object ranging module according to an approaching object. Step 2 is to obtain a relative distance trend according to the distance sensing signals and its corresponding time. Step 3 is to generate a control signal according to the relative distance trend. Step 4 is to drive and control a warning device to generate a warning signal according to the control signal. In addition, the present invention also provides a mobile vehicle and a safety warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ISSA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chi-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 10661707
    Abstract: Instead of binary brake lights on a car, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to provide an indicator of brake magnitude of the car. A pressure sensor, accelerometer, or other device capable of approximating the magnitude of a braking force is coupled to a control module, which itself is coupled to auxiliary lights mounted on the car. These auxiliary lights are capable of displaying a pulse, color, or a pattern correlated to the magnitude of the braking force. This gives drivers behind the car an indication of how quickly to respond to a braking car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Maurice Matovich
  • Patent number: 10596986
    Abstract: A tether system for providing power from a vehicle to a garment is presented. The system includes a tether having a first end and a second end, at least one electrical conductor operatively between the first and second ends, and an electrical contact at the second end, the tether being adapted for connecting to the garment at the first end; and a base adapted for mounting to the vehicle, the second end of the tether being selectively connected to the base, the base being adapted for selectively receiving the electrical contact and for providing power to the at least one electrical conductor of the tether via the electrical contact, the base, when mounted to the vehicle, being operative to stop propulsion of the vehicle when the tether is disconnected from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alexandre Lecointre, Jerome Demers
  • Patent number: 10589664
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for activating turn indicators of a motor vehicle. The disclosed methods includes collecting, for a predetermined period of time, from a plurality of internal and externals sensors of the vehicle, information associated with a plurality of driving maneuvers performed by a driver of the vehicle, the collected information includes at least one of information about driver's behavior, vehicle condition, road condition or traffic condition; feeding the collected information into a neural network for training a plurality of rules that determine when to automatically activate turn indicators based at least on driver's behavior; applying one or more trained rules to predict the next vehicle maneuver by the driver; and automatically activating a turn indicator of the vehicle based on the application of the one or more rules before the next vehicle maneuver is performed by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Stanislav D. Kashchenko
  • Patent number: 10528060
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Beard, Jukka Steenari, John Adams
  • Patent number: 10467868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic apparatus for providing a tactile sensation and, more particularly, to a magnetic apparatus for providing a user with tactile information, by means of changes in viscosity, rigidity and elasticity due to a magnetic field, by using a magnetorheological fluid or a magnetorheological elastiomer. A magnetic apparatus for providing a tactile sensation comprises a tactile sensation provider 110 having magnetic particles 101, wherein the tactile sensation provider 110 provides a user with tactile information by means of a change due to an external magnetic field that has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: CK MATERIALS LAB CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seoung Hun Do, Hyeong Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 10453346
    Abstract: A system including a computer for a vehicle is programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a platoon of three or more vehicles, and to identify one of the vehicles in the platoon as a caboose vehicle. The computer is programmed to deactivate a rear light of the lead vehicle, and to instruct activation of a rear light of the caboose vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Somak Datta Gupta, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Pramita Mitra, Jayanthi Rao, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Patent number: 10309608
    Abstract: The invention concerns a signaling device adapted to display pictograms, notably for a motor vehicle. The device is configured to implement at least one signaling function of a motor vehicle. The device includes display means including a display zone intended to be disposed on the vehicle, the display means being adapted to display pictograms in the display zone, each pictogram emitting a light beam having at least in part the statutory photometric characteristics of at least one of said at least one signaling functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Pierre Albou, Loic Boinet, Boubacar Sagna, Xavier Morel, Hafid El Idrissi, Stephan Sommerschuh
  • Patent number: 10245937
    Abstract: The present invention is an electric mobility vehicle such as a powered knee walker, scooter, bicycle and a multi-passenger vehicle comprising a unique steering column assembly capable of being manually steered also autonomously steered by means of steering actuators. The vehicle user can select a manual drive mode option to operate the vehicle physically or the user can select an autonomous drive mode each mode allows the vehicle to operate more efficiently both indoors and outdoors. The vehicle is configured with a platform for standing, sitting and leaning, and the framework is configured with a front and rear drive system, the front drive system incorporates the steering column and one or more steering actuator which control front and rear propulsion systems. The propulsion includes; a DC powered truck module, a fork module, or a cantilever module, and each respectively comprise a drive motor, brake, sensor and accelerometers for self-balancing control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Carla R Gillett
  • Patent number: 10220765
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz Braunberger
  • Patent number: 10173586
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for activating turn indicators of a motor vehicle. The disclosed methods includes determining a traffic condition of the motor vehicle using an external sensor of the motor vehicle. Responsive to determining that the traffic condition of the motor vehicle is suitable for changing a direction of the motor vehicle, a change in driver behavior is detected using a driver sensor of the motor vehicle. A target direction of the motor vehicle is determined based on the traffic condition of the motor vehicle and on the determined change in driver behavior, and a turn indicator of the motor vehicle is activated accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Stanislav D Kashchenko
  • Patent number: 9884583
    Abstract: A method for operating a signal system, in particular for a vehicle, a gaze direction of a user being monitored by way of at least one first sensor, a warning signal being outputted depending on the gaze direction detected. Provision is made that by way of at least one second sensor, an environment of the user is monitored for possible target objects, the detected gaze direction of the user being compared with the environment. When the gaze direction of the user points toward one of the possible target objects, that target object is designated as a selected target object and, depending on a triggering command of the user, the warning signal is outputted into the environment for the selected target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Hoang Trinh
  • Patent number: 9868385
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Vision Works IP
    Inventor: Fritz Braunberger
  • Patent number: 9758098
    Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring device comprises: an in-region object detecting unit which detects an in-region object present in contact determination regions on the basis of a photographic image from a camera per prescribed control cycle; and a warning control unit which performs warning control processing to give warning of a detected in-region object when an in-region object was not detected in the last control cycle, but the in-region object was detected in the present control cycle, and to restrain warning of a new in-region object when an in-region object was detected in the last control cycle and the new in-region object different from the in-region object detected in the last control cycle has been detected in the present control cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Aimura, Kodai Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9626871
    Abstract: A leading vehicle group 1 transmits divided data 71 and 72 obtained by dividing vehicle information 7. Data transfer vehicle groups 2 and 3 transfer the divided data 71 and 72 to a data composite vehicle group 4 and to following vehicle groups 5 and 6. The data composite vehicle group 4 transfers composite data 73 obtained by XORing the divided data 71 and 72 to the following vehicle groups 5 and 6. The following vehicle group 5 XORs the divided data 71 received from the data transfer vehicle group 2 with the composite data 73 received from the data composite vehicle group 4 to restore the unreceived divided data 72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Tosa, Yuji Hamada, Shinji Akatsu
  • Patent number: 9616809
    Abstract: A system and method are provided that include a driver status monitor having at least one of an infrared sensor and a camera configured to sense facial feature data associated with an operator of a subject vehicle and an electronic control module that receives the facial feature data and determines that the operator has looked at one of a side mirror and a rear-view mirror and that the operator has looked at a blind spot of the subject vehicle within a predetermined time period. A controller in communication with the driver status monitor activates a turn signal system having at least one turn signal in response to the driver status monitor determining that the operator has looked at one of the side mirror, rear-view mirror, and the blind spot of the subject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bilal Alasry
  • Patent number: 9529361
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing failure in an autonomous navigation system are provided. The method includes collecting, by a controller, failure information in the autonomous navigation system and a monitoring a driver condition. The controller is configured to collect the failure information in the autonomous navigation system, and determine whether to switch control from the autonomous navigation vehicle to a manual driving mode based on the driver condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Byung Yong You, Young Chul Oh
  • Patent number: 9517719
    Abstract: A method for automatic direction indication for a vehicle includes the following steps: detecting a driver activity and/or a vehicle position by a Lane Keeping System and/or a Lane Departure Warning System; and automatically activating or deactivating a direction indicator of the vehicle dependent on the detected driver activity or vehicle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignees: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG, Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Lueke, Matthias Happ
  • Patent number: 9320977
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Beard, Jukka Steenari, John Adams
  • Patent number: 9002580
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling an electrically-powered steering apparatus of a vehicle may include a selection switch adapted to select any of a plurality of steering modes, a control switch adapted to change a current for controlling the steering force, a control portion adapted to determine the current according to a signal received from at least one of the selection switch and the control switch and to transmit a control signal according to the determined current, and a drive portion adapted to control the steering force according to the control signal received from the control portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Nam Young Kim, Yoon Su Kim
  • Patent number: 8994524
    Abstract: An indication unit for vehicles is suggested, which comprises at least one LED and at least one electrical circuit in a housing. The indication unit is connected to a first control, which is arranged in the vehicle, and connected to an LED driver circuit. A second control circuit, which is arranged in or on the housing of the indication unit, operates the LED with pulse-width modulated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Soenke Goldschmidt
  • Publication number: 20150070161
    Abstract: In a turning direction indicator, a first determination section determines whether a steering angle becomes equal to or larger than a first angle in one turning direction after the steering angle becomes a rotation angle in another turning direction opposite to the one turning direction in a state where an indication operation section is operated to a position indicating the one turning direction and the one turning direction is displayed by a display section. A second determination section determines whether the steering angle becomes equal to or smaller than a second angle smaller than the first angle after the steering angle becomes equal to or larger than the first angle. If the second determination section determines that the steering angle is equal to or smaller than the second angle, a cancelation section cancels the display of the turning direction by the display section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki MIZUNO, Hidehiro AKAHORI
  • Patent number: 8941482
    Abstract: A turn indicator system determines when a moving vehicle has completed a turn and automatically turns off a turn indicator light. The system includes turn indicator lights, an accelerometer, and a processor. The accelerometer can sense acceleration in two-axis or three-axis. The processor is configured to receive the sensed accelerometer data and to determine when a vehicle has completed a turn based on the received accelerometer data. In response to determining that a turn is completed, the processor signals the appropriate turn indicator light to turn off. The turn indicator system can be implemented in a single-track vehicle, such as a bicycle or a motorcycle, or in a multi-track vehicle, such as an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: BenJoaquin Tomas Gouverneur
  • Patent number: 8930083
    Abstract: An electric power steering system is provided. It comprises a steering assist assembly and a motor assembly that actuates the steering assist assembly. A control module that provides steering assist commands to the motor assembly, the control module including a circuit board having a first portion having circuits thereon and a second portion that includes at least one sensor circuit that receives signals from at least one sensor subsystem. A potting material coats only the first portion of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Gillman, John R. Hoffman, Brian T. Murray, Wayne B. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140354422
    Abstract: A system for detecting vehicle deceleration having an accelerometer, a processing arrangement, and a deceleration indicator. The processing unit samples data from the accelerometer, and based on that data, determines if the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating. If the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating in excess of a threshold, the deceleration indicator is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Kinetech LLC
    Inventors: Mark Olson, Larry D. O'Cull
  • Patent number: 8902084
    Abstract: A switch assembly is disclosed having a switch with an actuator moveable from an armed position to a disarmed position. A housing is attached to the switch and contains a cam that holds the switch actuator in the armed position. A trigger makes contact with the cam causing it to rotate within the housing and allowing the actuator to extend to move to a disarmed position. In some variants the cam can be shaped to prevent manual rotation against the bias force of the actuator in the disarmed position. The switch assembly can be positioned on an aircraft landing gear to detect an over-steer occurrence where the landing gear may become damaged. The state of the switch can be visibly or audibly indicated by an indicator in the aircraft cockpit or other location visible/audible to the ground operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Dowty Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Ataman
  • Patent number: 8830044
    Abstract: Disclosed is a driving support device that is capable of realizing driving support in consideration of a risk potential determination tendency of a driver. The driving support device is a device that estimates a risk potential that is a degree of a risk with respect to a risk target in driving of a vehicle and performs a driving support for a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the estimated risk potential, and includes: a risk potential bias setting unit that sets a risk potential bias that is a value for changing the risk potential on the basis of a risk potential determination tendency of the driver; and a risk potential estimating unit that changes the risk potential on the basis of the risk potential bias set by the risk potential bias setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Fukamachi
  • Patent number: 8816840
    Abstract: A wireless, removable vehicle signaling control and illumination apparatus for use on antique vehicles lacking original equipment vehicle signaling devices. The system utilizes a miniature digital radio transceiver inside a lamp housing to provide wireless control of the lamp. This signaling system provides a previously unavailable removable automotive signaling solution for antique vehicle owners who want improved illumination and safety features of modern automotive lighting while leaving the vehicle in “original” and “unmodified” condition, which is of such value to antique vehicle owners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Classic Safety Products, LLC
    Inventor: John Samuel Peterson
  • Patent number: 8791835
    Abstract: Methods for road safety enhancement use mobile communication device (MCD) onboard vehicle to share traveling data through inter-vehicle communication broadcasting, perform road hazard warning, enhance road navigation, and provide autonomous road assistance. The methods have a variety of vehicle status data, such as moving data, steering data, or indicator data, obtained through GPS or image capturing and recognition of instrument cluster of vehicle. The image capturing and recognition allows to get speed data from indication of speedometer, indication of left or right turn signal, steering action data corresponding to steering wheel rotation, and light-on indication of system status indicators. To facilitate that, the MCD may be placed in front of steering wheel, and, if applicable, also in coupling with movement of steering wheel. The MCD may perform relative positioning map-matching lane correlation and GPS-update-interval speed positioning to improve data quality regarding vehicle moving status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8742906
    Abstract: An output adjustment ECU includes: a request reception section for receiving an output request of alarm information to a driver from a drive assist ECU; a usefulness determination section for, when the request reception section receives the output request, determining whether or not outputting first alarm information that is the alarm information of which the output request is received is useful for the driver; a content modification section for, when the usefulness determination section determines that the outputting is not useful, modifying a content of the first alarm information to generate second alarm information that is alarm information useful for the driver; and an output execution section for outputting the first alarm information when the usefulness determination section determines that the outputting is useful, and outputting the second alarm information when the usefulness determination section determines that the outputting is not useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8736208
    Abstract: When one of six FETs has short-circuit faulted, a controllable region identification unit stops driving of an electric motor, and then performs processes for determining whether a short-circuit fault has occurred, and when a short-circuit fault has occurred, for identifying the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted based on phase voltages (induced voltages) VU, VV, and VW of phases. When the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted is identified, the controllable region identification unit performs a controllable region identification process. In detail, the controllable region identification unit identifies a “possible region,” an “indeterminate region,” and a “impossible region” based on phase voltages VU, VV, and VW of the phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Shigekazu Okumura, Fumihiko Satou, Hiroshi Sumasu
  • Publication number: 20140118132
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication system is customized before it is installed within the vehicle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication system is customizable after it is installed within the vehicle by turning on and/or turning off one or more of the data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is able to be implemented on a bus or other such fleet vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
  • Patent number: 8710975
    Abstract: In an automated method for providing an indication, with the aid of a turn signal indicator, that a vehicle is leaving a parking space, a vehicle control system detects initially whether an executed driving maneuver is a maneuver related to leaving a parking space, in which case the maneuvering out of a parking space is indicated by activating the turn signal indicator, and the turn signal indicator is kept activated until the process of maneuvering out of the parking space has been concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pampus, Florian Raisch, Albrecht Irion, Marcus Schneider